Important Families Of The Renaissance


The Renaissance had all the weapons of the medieval times. (Middle Ages) There were crossbows, swords, bows and arrows, and guns. The guns were only given to the knights and the king. This is significant to the renaissance because without weapons they would have been taken over by the Albizzifamily or the Borgia family. Because of these weapons they were able to expand their territory. Also during the renaissance there were many crimes and many different punishments. One of the most recognizing punishments was the public hanging.
"Thieves that are saved by their books and clergy, for the first offense, if they have stolen nothing else but oxen, sheep, money, or such like, which be no open robberies, as by the highway side, or assailing of any man's house in the night, without putting him in fear of his life, or breaking up his walls or doors, are burned in the left hand, upon the brawn of the thumb, with a hot iron, so that, if they be apprehended again, that mark betrayeth them to have been arraigned of felony before, whereby they are sure at that time to have no mercy."

The Abizzi Family

the magnificent Anton Francesco degli Albizzi
the magnificent Anton Francesco degli Albizzi
The Albizzi Family is a very wealthy and powerful family. "Maso degli Albizzi, led a junta of wealthy families who seized control of the city by force in 1382." Maso was the type of ruler that put the other wealthy families in charge. He did this because he needed their resources and money to improve their army from Giangaleazzo Visconti. He conquered the city by the sea, Pisa and he wanted more. When he died his son (Rinaldo Degli Albizzi) took over and showed his power openly. Rinaldo took down the famous leader Cosimo De Medici, who tried to avoid confrontation but couldn't. Rinaldo took Cosimo to trial in a court owned by the Albizzi. Instead of executing him they just exiled him.

The Borgia Family

Blason famille it Borgia01.svg
Blason famille it Borgia01.svg
The Borgia Family name is usually associated with greed, power, lust and murder. The Borgia family is one of the most untrustworthy families in the entire Renaissance. They always stuck together after everything. This family produced two popes and many other political and religious leaders that were all corrupted. Alfonso Borgia established the family's influence in Italy and became pope Calixtus III in 1455. "The Borgias were patrons of the arts, and their support allowed many artists of the Renaissance to realize their potential." Most members of this family were religious or political leaders. They were also patrons of the arts.

The Medici Family

Coat of arms of the House of de' Medici.png
Coat of arms of the House of de' Medici.png
The Medici Family is one of the most famous families of the Renaissance. They ruled for many years and supported the arts greatly. One of the greatest rulers of the Medici family was "Cosimo De Medici in the Republic of Florence during the late 14th century" The Medici Bank was the largest bank in Europe during the 15th century. The Family had more power than most monarchs even though they were only citizens. The Family produced four popes and two regent queens of France. The Medici Family dominated their city's governments.